Bible Strands
Proverbs 16:5
Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — A wisdom instructor addresses a student or community, delivering a direct moral warning within the framework of divine sovereignty. The words — תּוֹעֲבַת (to'evah) signifies what is ritually and morally abominable, while גְּבַהּ לֵב (gevah lev) literally translates to a lifted or haughty heart. The thread — The declaration that the proud will not escape judgment mirrors Proverbs 11:21, and the classification of arrogance as detestable runs parallel to Proverbs 6:16 and Proverbs 8:13. Why it lands — The text demands immediate self-examination by stating that internal pride provokes divine opposition and guarantees consequences.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 6:16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him:
- Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
- Proverbs 11:21 Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.
- Romans 2:8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger.
- James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Job 40:12 Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand.
- Isaiah 3:11 Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
- Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.